Covalent Bonds in Polymers (Cambridge International A-Level Biology)

Spec point — 2.2.3 · state the role of covalent bonds in joining smaller molecules together to form polymers

Covalent bonds in polymers

• A covalent bond is the sharing of two or more electrons between two atoms

  • The electrons can be shared equally forming a nonpolar covalent bond or unequally(where an atom can be more electronegative δ^-) to form a polar covalent bond

• Generally, each atom will form a certain number of covalent bonds due to the number of free electrons in the outer orbital e.g. H = 1 bond, C = 4 bonds

• Covalent bonds are very stable as high energies are required to break the bonds

• Multiple pairs of electrons can be shared forming double bonds (e.g. unsaturated fats C=C) or triple bonds

Different types of covalent bonds

• When two monomers are close enough that their outer orbitals overlap this results in their electrons being shared and a covalent bond forming

  • If more monomers are added then polymerisation occurs (and a polymer forms)

Condensation

• A condensation reaction occurs when monomers combine together by covalent bonds to form polymers (polymerisation) or macromolecules (lipids) and water is removed

Written and symbolic illustrations of the removal of water to form a covalent bond between two or more monomers during a condensation reaction

Hydrolysis

• Hydrolysis means ‘lyse’ (to break) and ‘hydro’ (with water)
• In the hydrolysis of polymers, covalent bonds are broken when water is added

Written and symbolic illustrations of the addition of water to break down covalent bond/s during a hydrolysis reaction

Exam Hint You must be able to recognise and identify the location of the covalent bonds in the molecules – note that these molecules may be unfamiliar to you.